Tips on How to Survive in Halo 2 Xbox Live

The most popular Xbox game by far has been Microsoft's Halos franchise. The enormously famous and well liked first person shooter went online with its second game, Halo 2, and offers the optimum gaming experience. You can compete for fun or for ranks, even participate in tournaments but I'm here to offer my advice on how to survive in this deadly online world.

There are certain key elements that will achieve victory that you must know to survive. Weapon choice is probably the number one thing. You have to be packin' to survive. Don't forget to know your terrain. Knowing the layout of a battlefield will offer major advantages. And of course teamwork is a must!

First thing you want to do is make sure your weapons fit the situation. Always try to keep a long range and short range weapon on hand. The Battle rifle and SMG is a good combo, as well as SMG sniper rifle, shotgun battle rifle and so on. But don't get caught up in the moment. The Energy Sword is the most powerful weapon in the game, but don't use this and the shotgun at the same time, because you'll have no long range potential. Your opponents with the Battle rifle will tear you apart.

For smaller levels like Warlock and Midship duel wielding is a great idea when a sword or shotguns are not around. The most effective combo is the SMG and plasma rifle. The plasma rifle will deplete your opponent's shields and the SMG will make quick work of the rest. Also try the "noob" combo, a SMG and plasma pistol. Charge the plasma pistol and release at your target. Instantly their shields are gone and you can easily take them down.

Always remember that a melee attack will do wonders. If the combat gets to close for comfort just bash the guy! If you can fire off a few rounds first, or get a charged plasma shot off you'll score a one hit melee kill. Also don't be afraid to use your grenades. They tend to be random but seem to always come through in a pinch.

Be sure to know the layout of a level before the battle. Practice by yourself or with a few friends on all the different maps you'll be fighting in online. To come out on top make sure you know where the best weapons are, the energy sword, shotgun and rocket launchers are all good weapons to keep in mind. Also make a note of where good hiding places are. If you're facing down an enemy sniper see if you can plot a course to get behind him rather then rush 'n' attack.

Vehicles are an asset to any team game. With a good pair in the warthog you can't go wrong, but it takes two to tango. Be sure to establish who is a good driver and who will be the best gunner. I can't shoot but I'm a good driver so in most cases my teammates elect me to drive around and make sure they can get the shot off. The Tank is a solo beast with tremendous power, so if your lucky enough to obtain one in battle be assured your opponents are terrified. The Banshee is not that great for online play, it's too hard to control and flimsy, but the Ghost is an awesome solo weapon. Using the ghosts hit and run tactics you're likely to do very well in combat.

Teamwork will inevitably win you the game. It's best to try and find some guys (or in a rare instance girls) that you know and trust. Once you get a good team together you'll appreciate it. If you have played Halo 2 online for any length of time you know the garbage that ends up on your team half the time. They commit suicide, kill you, let the other team kill them, don't play at all, or they just plain stink. So go make friends and put together an impressive team that will stand by your side and fight to the death.

So if you follow this guide you can be sure that you'll do better in your overall online experience. I do warn you though, people cheat, and your best defense is to report them to the game moderators. Trust me, they will be dealt with. Halo 2 online is interactive and extremely engaging. You'll make lots of new friends and join clans, all kinds of good stuff, and remember it's all just for fun anyways right? So jump online and go shoot and blow stuff up, and follow my guide to make sure that you stay alive!